“I want to come aboard,” I shouted. “You must be crazy not to believe me.”
“But we do believe every single word you say,” bantered the Sebright voice with serenity.
Suddenly another struck in, “Nichols, I call to mind, sir.”
“Of course, of course. This is the man.”
“My name’s not Nichols,” I protested.
“Now, now. You mustn’t begin to lie,” remonstrated Sebright. Somebody laughed discreetly.
“You are mistaken, on my honour,” I said. “Nichols left Rio Medio some time ago.”
“About three hours, eh?” came the drawl of insufferable folly in these precious minutes.
It was clear that Manuel had gone astray, but I feared not for long. They would spread out in search. And now I had found this hopeless ship, it seemed impossible that anybody else could miss her.
“You may be boarded any moment by more than a dozen boats. I warn you solemnly. Will you let me come?”